Hundreds turned out for a charity run in memory of a 10 year old athlete at Luton Athletic club yesterday.

Gianni Khan died following an accident, on December 28, and his funeral was yesterday at the Vale Stopsley. The family had asked for bright colours to be worn, in his honour.

The sponsored “mile run” took place at Stockwood Athletics track last night.

Nicola Boylan of Poynters Road, Luton whose daughter trained with Gianni said: “He was so bubbly and active; he did not stop moving and was extremely talented in running and football.

“He was the winner of Luton Primary School’s Cross Country Championship for year six in October and went to every single after school club there is.

“He was always smiling, he was a very loving child.

“We were extremely shocked. We all saw him at our Christmas party on December 21, which was the last time we saw him alive.

“He was having so much fun; it was nice to have seen him like that.

“When we heard the awful news, we knew we had to do something to help, so a few of us put our heads together to decide how we could raise money for Gianni and his family.

“The support has been absolutely amazing; someone just handed over a £200 donation just like that.

“The event has made everyone come together.”

Gianni was also a pupil of Hillborough Junior School in Luton.

In a statement on their website the school said: “He represented everything that is good in a child and was a credit to himself, his family and the school. He will be remembered for many accomplishments, not least his outstanding contribution to sport which resulted in him winning the ‘Luton Schools’ X-Country Championship’ and in playing with skill, passion and flair for the Football Team.

“He will be massively missed by everyone who had the privilege to encounter and know him. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.